Tensions erupted at the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) general assembly meeting in Dhulikhel today after former ANFA president Ganesh Thapa, who was suspended by FIFA for 10 years for bribery, was denied entry into the venue, sparking controversy and heated exchanges.

Thapa, who recently returned to the football scene after serving a 10-year ban imposed by FIFA, was stopped at the gate by a group citing his lack of an official pass to enter the meeting.

Visibly angered by the obstruction, Thapa told reporters, “Either ANFA should have said that they did not accept the court’s decision or they should have allowed me to enter the general meeting,” expressing frustration over the apparent disregard for a recent court ruling.

Thapa had been banned by FIFA starting April 16, 2015, after the international governing body’s disciplinary committee found him guilty of corruption, bribery, and other violations, handing down a 10-year suspension and a fine of CHF 2.1 million.

Following the expiration of the ban on April 15, 2025, Thapa began re-engaging in football affairs and made public statements criticizing ANFA’s leadership during his suspension.

Anticipating potential obstruction, Thapa had earlier filed a writ petition at the Patan High Court, seeking legal permission to attend the general meeting. The court, under Judge Sudarshan Dev Bhatt, ruled in Thapa’s favor on Baisakh 21 (May 3), allowing him to participate.